"Gov. Rick Snyder on Tuesday signed into law a $617 million state aid package for Detroit Public Schools, saying it marks “a new day” for families in the city.

The plan, approved by the Republican-led Legislature over opposition from Detroit legislators and other Democrats, will help pay off $467 million in operating debt and provide $150 million in start-up funding for a new debt-free district.

The debt relief, along with accountability measures in the legislation, “promises a brighter future for all of Detroit’s children,” the governor said in a statement after signing the bills with little fanfare and without a public ceremony.

Under the law, Detroiters will elect a new school board in November. Members would take office in January and hire a new superintendent.

An existing Financial Review Commission, established after the city’s bankruptcy, would be expanded to provide continued oversight in the district, which has been run by a state-appointed emergency manager since 2009."What does that mean for local districts?

Look at West Ottawa and Grand Haven school districts as an example. If the money for Detroit was given to students across Michigan on a per-puil basis, each district would receive approximately $2,5 million!

When will Detroit finally be held accountable in a real way instead of politicians just continuing to write checks that don't solve the problem?

_____________________________________________________________________Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.